Don’t Panic: 11 Things to Do in Theater, Literature, Pillow Combat and More

Kelly Writers House hosts a marathon reading of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy trilogy on Thursday. (Dan Gerhard/Wikimedia Commons)

Suzanne Ciani @ International House Philadelphia | Wednesday, March 29
Okay, this is a music thing but I missed it yesterday and it deserves some love. Ars Nova Workshop presents a rare solo concert by the pianist/composer/“Diva of the Diode.”

Cryptopictos @ Fleisher/Ollman | March 30-May 26
Works by Reed Anderson, Isaac Tin Wei Lin, Patrick Maguire and Sarah Walker — “four artists who create abstract paintings using patterned perforations, lattice-like structures, fields of repetitive marks, and calligraphic gestures” to create cryptic pictures. Opening reception Thursday, March 30, 6-8 p.m.

The Prisoner of Zenda @ Hedgerow Theatre Company | March 30-April 8
Anthony Hope’s 1894 adventure novel — in which a hapless Brit must stand in for the king he happens to look like — gets a new adaptation by Matt Tallman and Hedgerow.

Marathon Reading of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy @ Kelly Writers House | Thursday, March 30
Douglas Adams fans and their allies will read from the classic — and infinitely quotable (see above) — “trilogy in five parts” for as long as they can stand to, potentially from 2 to 42 p.m. You know, Sen. Ted Cruz and Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch recently made public their Hitchhiker’s Guide fandom and, frankly, it sat wrong with me. You, sirs, know nothing of his work.

And Still I Rise @ Community College of Philadelphia | Thursday, March 30
A screening and discussion of this film about Dr. Maya Angelou. Panelists include poet Ursula Rucker, poet/artist Andrea Walls and podcaster Pia Deas (host of Contemporary Black Canvas). Held in CCP’s Bonnell Auditorium. Free with registration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihsqa4mVjEw

Final Fridays: Rebel, Rebel @ Philadelphia Museum of Art | Friday, March 31
“A night to celebrate art world renegades, in honor of the 100th anniversary of Marcel Duchamp’s ‘The Fountain’ scandal.” Includes a “Dada-inspired scavenger hunt” by the Dufala Brothers, a perfomance by Brian Sanders’ JUNK, music and more.

Food/Film: Better Off Dead @ Fringe Arts | Friday, March 31
Twenty bucks gets you a screening of the classic 1985 comedy classic (?) and a meal based on the movie: Grilled octopus, franch fries, franch dressing and more.

Tony Conrad: Completely in the Present @ International House | Friday, March 31
Tyler Hubby’s movie about revered but under-appreciated musician/filmmaker Tony Conrad (Flaming Creatures soundtrack, Velvet Underground).

Philadelphia Pillow Phight 2017 @ Washington Square Park | Saturday, April 1
BYO pillow. No memory foam. Don’t hurt anybody. Swing away.

Summer Club Spring Fling @ Venice Island Performing Arts | Monday, April 3
Vocalist Krissy Fraelich and a 17-piece big band orchestra offer an evening of retro-cool singing and dancing.

Lauren Grodstein/ Tom McAllister @ Free Library | Tuesday, April 4
The authors of Our Short History and The Young Widower’s Handbook, respectively, read from their work at the main branch.